"Art in the Second Half of the 19th Century"

I was thrilled to read about more modern-ish art! I knew nothing about the impressionists, so I was very interested in that. I have seen Degas' The Rehearsal On Stage, but never knew anything about it. I found the history of photography fascinating as well, to the point where I look forward to reading about it further. I was also happy to read a bit about my old favorite, Paris Street, Rainy Day. It was a nice way to end the class!

Romanticism

I was THRILLED to read about Thomas Cole, and more specifically, about his western Massachusetts influence, as that is where I am from!

It's amazing what you realize you don't know about the area you grew up in (well, partially grew up in)... I've driven past the highway signs for the "Oxbow Marina" a million times, but never knew anything about it! (Ok, I still really don't know anything about it.) I've been to Mount Holyoke College once or twice, but really I could stand to spend some time being a tourist in the areas around my home town.

I also enjoyed Turner's "The Burning of the House of Lords and Commons." The colors seem spectacular, and it looks like it is giving way to Impressionism.